Should I Go to School for Game Design or CNA?

This decision can be a challenging one, especially if you're uncertain about your professional interests. If you're not sure what major 'CNA' stands for, it might be a Certified Nurse Aide, or possibly another field entirely. But whether it's game design or nursing, both paths can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

About Game Design

Game design is a rapidly evolving field, and numerous people who have pursued this path have gone on to lead successful and satisfying careers. The skills you learn while studying game design can be applied to a wide range of industries, including the entertainment sector, medical research, flight simulation, and defense applications. For instance, some graduates have leveraged their skills in creating therapeutic games for balance disorders, while others have worked in the development of flight simulators and defense tools. There are also interesting career paths such as becoming a Disney Imagineer, where you can work on the creation of immersive and fantasy-driven experiences. If you enroll in a reputable program and are dedicated and hardworking, your job prospects in the game development industry are excellent.

Considering a Career in Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Popular questions like this one often arise, and while I'm not a game designer, I can provide insight into the different aspects of these careers. One common piece of advice is that, while a game design major might not always be the best choice, a computer science degree is often preferred by game companies. On the other hand, a CNA is an excellent profession to start your healthcare career, with the possibility of entering the field at an earlier stage than becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). However, it's important to note that there are limitations to what you can achieve as a CNA, as you cannot take on leadership roles or specific healthcare roles that require an associates or bachelor's degree.

If stability and security in a job are your primary concerns, becoming a CNA might be a wise choice. Healthcare professions generally offer more security compared to game development, as the demand for healthcare professionals remains high. A recent answer from Chris Nash, a Quora user and game programmer, emphasized the instability of jobs in the game industry or indie development. Nash pointed out that working in a game company or taking on indie development can lead to layoffs or financial instability.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal goals and interests. If you're passionate about technology and creative storytelling, game design might be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you're interested in healthcare and providing direct patient care, becoming a CNA is a great way to start a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. Whichever path you choose, make sure to research thoroughly, understand the industry demands, and be prepared to work hard and continuously develop your skills to excel in your chosen field.

Keywords: game design, nursing assistant, career choice